Holy Saturday by Austin Byerly 4/3/21

Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24

"Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn't ended; certainly God's compassion isn't through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness."
-Lamentations 3:22-23 CEB

In a world of instant gratification, waiting and uncertainty are hard. However, today, we wait in uncertainty. Yesterday, we remember that the Roman government crucified Jesus on the cross and laid him in the tomb. Tomorrow, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection and victory over death. But today, we wait in the cold, dark tomb of uncertainty.

The disciples watched their teacher and leader die on the cross and watched the government lay Jesus in the tomb. As the government rolled the rock in front of Jesus’ tomb to close it, the disciples’ life with Jesus came to a close as well. I assume the disciples had a lot of uncertainty about what is next in their lives. They might have felt trapped in the dark tomb as well. In their uncertainty they cried out to God and wondered if God actually heard their cries. They might have been angry with God for letting Jesus die. We might experience those same emotions today whether because of Christ’s death or some other period of waiting and uncertainty in happening in our lives. In dark, uncertain days we feel trapped within the depths of the dark tomb with no escape route. We do not know where to turn or what comes next. We cry out to God and wonder if God even hears our cries. We might even lose hope in God (Lam 3:18).

Even as we wait in the cold, dark tomb, may we remember that “certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through!” (Lam 3:22, CEB). God’s love is with us in uncertainty. God is with us on the cross and with us in the tomb. It may not relieve our uncertainty or make things any clearer. In fact, we may still be in the darkness and our lives may not look any better. But in times of uncertainty and waiting, we can be certain that God loves us.

Almighty God,

We want to rush to tomorrow morning – to celebrate the resurrection of your son. However, today we wait. In uncertain times, may we be reminded of your love toward us. Even though it does not provide solutions to our questions or an escape route out of the tomb, may we always be certain of your faithful love. Amen.

--Austin Byerly 

Good Friday by Mike Frese 4/02/21

Scripture Reading: John 18:1-19:42

"So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them."

-John 19:16b-18 NRSV

Why is Jesus on the cross? The most obvious answer is the Romans. Crucifixion was a Roman method of execution and Roman soldiers put him there. Of course, Jesus was arrested by the temple guards and tried by the Sanhedrin (Jewish Council). I guess you could say that Jewish leaders had a hand in it. The gospels describe the crowds calling for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus. Perhaps they, too, could be implicated.

However, we need to remember why Jesus was there in the first place. In the story of his birth, Matthew shares the details of the angel’s visit to Joseph. The angel told Jesus’ adoptive father to name him “Jesus”, “for he will save the people from their sins.” Jesus himself said, that the Son of Man came “to give his life as a ransom for many.” Paul reminds us in Romans 5, that because of one man, namely Adam, sin entered into the world, so also by one man, namely Jesus, came the gift of righteousness.

So, we could say that Jesus was on the cross because of the evil that is in the world or due to the sins of the world. Given that we are part of the world, we have contributed to this. Thus, Jesus is on the cross, not only because of the world, but because of us – you and me.

There is a story told about G.K. Chesterton, a journalist, writer and Christian apologist. The editorial board of the London Times asked the question “What’s wrong with the world.” Many people responded to this question. Some sent short letters; others were long and developed theories representing sociological, psychological, or theological insights. G.K. Chesterton also submitted an entry. His response to the question of ‘What’s wrong with the world’: Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely Yours, G.K. Chesterton.

So why is Jesus on the cross? At least part of the answer is because of you and me. Christ died because of us. However, we cannot forget the detail that he died for us as well. Today, on Good Friday, we not only remember the cost of our sin, but the depth of God’s love. So consider the cross and be amazed. Though we are at fault, we also are forgiven. Cling to the cross and find the gift of forgiveness, the offer of salvation, and the promise of reconciliation.

Prayer: Gracious God, we acknowledge our sins and cling to your grace. Thank you for your forgiving love. Thank you for the depth of your sacrifice. Teach us to love others as you have loved us. Amen.

--Rev. Mike Frese, D.S. Corridor District NCCUMC

Maundy Thursday by Woody Garrett 4/01/21

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

"When he had given thanks, he broke [the bread] and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
-1 Corinthians 11:24-25 NIV

During the Lord's Supper, Jesus instructs the disciples to take the bread -- his body -- and the cup -- his blood -- in remembrance of him -- the first Holy Communion. This was on the eve, Maundy Thursday, of his imminent crucifixion on Good Friday.

At Long Memorial, Holy Communion is held the first Sunday of each month and other special dates. However, due to Covid-19, Communion has not been held for a year (since March 2020). The service is an important part of the Methodist schedule and of great benefit to the congregation. With Covid-19 cases decreasing, we'll resume the sacred meal this evening with precautions like having the service outside. This is a huge answer to our prayers. Like the author of Psalm 107, we "give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (v. 1).

I came across this poem by Elizabeth Cheney in a Billy Graham devotional book I've been reading. It's been particularly meaningful for me during this season, so I'll leave it for you to meditate on the words:

Said the robin to the sparrow,
“I should really like to know,
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.”
Said the sparrow to the robin,
“Friend I think that it must be,
That they have no Heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me.”

--Woody Garrett

Wednesday of Holy Week by Tom Loftis 3/31/21

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

-Hebrews 12:1-2 NRSV modified

…As we continue our spiritual journey this Holy Week…

We remember the "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us as an inspiration and a guide for us offering encouragement, pointing us in the right direction, and blessing us with words of kindness and patience.

I remember…

Mrs. Henry Dixon of Mebane UMC teaching a group of wiggly young boys in Vacation Bible School. She had such a gracious spirit – smiling, but with firm directions of how we were to behave.

…the generous strokes of prayers that have enveloped us with boldness and put a song in our hearts.

…the strength of those strong church communities who supported and admonished us to witness our faith with grace, dignity, and promise.

…the fellowship of small groups and the guidance and support received from leaders who showed us, through their example, how to live a God-filled life.

Thanks be to God!

Prayer: May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit strengthen and guide us always. Amen.

--Rev. Tom Loftis

Tuesday of Holy Week by Emily Sheppard 3/30/21

Scripture Reading: John 12:20-36

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” -John 12:27-28a NIV

This quote from Jesus shakes me to my core. Jesus fully understands what is about to happen to him—his sacrificial death on the cross—and he is faced with a choice. His choice is to either beg God to remove him from his role in God’s plan or to try and understand how to serve God faithfully in the face of what is to come. Of course, Jesus tells the crowd around him that he has chosen to glorify God, even while standing in the shadow of death.

I think there are several things to consider when we read this passage. First, it forces us to think about how we respond to hardships in our lives—the dreaded “hour” that Jesus mentions. We can all think of times in our lives when all we wanted to do was cry out for God to save us (and often times, we did). Second, we must remember that we are not Jesus. While Jesus sets an example of glorifying God’s name in the midst of pain, we cannot expect ourselves to hold the strength that our God-incarnate embodied. When we realize that we are approaching a particularly difficult “hour”, or season, in our lives, we do not have to force ourselves to be grateful for that hardship. Instead, we can lean on Jesus, who shows us in this scripture that he knows how to make meaning of horrific moments. We can be grateful for the love of the One who has already played the most important role in God’s plan—the One who takes on all of our sin, burdens, and heartache.

This scripture is not meant to scorn us for crying out to God for comfort; rather, it is to show us the strength of Jesus in times of distress. This is the strength that we can rely on when our own strength is compromised.

Holy God,
We praise You for filling us up where we are emptied. We thank You for being abundant when we are not enough. Stay close to us, O God, and be our stronghold. In our “hour” of need, You are the One who comes running. We glorify You. Amen.

--Emily Sheppard

Monday of Holy Week by Caitlin Bentzinger 3/29/21

Scripture Reading: Psalm 36:5-11

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds."
-Psalm 36:5 NLT

Why do we go to service every Sunday? This is a loaded question that I have been pondering during this pandemic as we try to navigate a new “normal” that still adapts to our comfort zone. We long for the day that we can return to Sunday services and not feel like we are putting our lives in danger. We contemplate whether or not to attend worship via in-person service or online. Most importantly, we notice what our hearts are missing during this time and strive to fulfill that longing desire to be in communal worship in the sanctuary surrounded by those we love. However, I encourage you to stop and consider why you attend worship. Our intention for attending service is to worship our Heavenly Creator. What do we give the God who has everything; who knows everything; who feels everything? We give this time of worship to praise God with our everlasting loyalty, respect, and love. As we read in this scripture passage, we are reminded that God’s love is unfailing, God’s faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. God cares for people and animals alike and we find shelter in the shadow of God’s wings. We are blessed to be loved and cared for by God’s incomprehensible love, and we worship God and give our thanks for these gifts.

Right now, the physical aspects of worship are very different than what we are used to, but this also gives us a reality check and insight to reflect on what it means for us to be in worship. Rather than focusing on what it is that WE receive out of worship and how WE feel during worship, we can take this time to consider what it is that we are putting into worship. We can no longer just “go through the motions” of worship. Our responsibilities to put more intentional effort into worship is more important now than ever. It is easy to attend service on Sunday and thank God when everyone around us is doing the same work, but now it is up to us on a more individual basis to consider and put everything our hearts can give into committing our love and respect to God. Let us take this time during Holy Week to remember that we only see tomorrow because of God. We have hope because of God. If we are to ask God to pour out God’s unfailing love unto those who love God, then we must also give all that we are to God. It is our responsibility to put in all of our effort to worshiping our God who gives us what we need to see our remaining tomorrows. Thanks be to God who feeds us from the abundance of God’s house - who lets us drink from God’s rivers of delight. Thanks be to God who is our fountain of life and the light by which we see. Amen.

--Caitlin Bentzinger

Sixth Saturday of Lent by Bill Sabiston 3/27/21

Scripture Reading: John 12:37-50

"I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness."
-John 12:46 NRSV

One movie I have enjoyed watching, and I must admit I have watched it several times, is “The Bucket List” staring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. In it, two men from totally different spectrums of life meet each other because of their illnesses. One scene in the movie places them in Egypt overlooking the magnificent pyramids. In that scene, Morgan Freeman’s character asks, “HAVE YOU FOUND JOY IN YOUR LIFE? HAS YOUR LIFE BROUGHT JOY TO OTHERS?” My son recently asked the question in a morning prayer meeting, “Can you find good in yourself and others everyday and reflect on that each day?”

Goodness and joy have been on the sidelines for most of this past year as we find ourselves trying to stay connected with each other for spiritual growth, times of fellowship, and let’s really be honest and say our own personal sanity.

Jesus says in John 12:46, “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.”

As we prepare ourselves for Holy Week may our thoughts be of goodness, kindness, and reflection upon the sacrifice given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. May we go into the world with a beacon of light... joy and goodness in our hearts for others to see.

Prayer + When the days are hard and the nights are long. It’s hard to sing the Lord's song. So with all that I know, where can I go. Except to sing the Lord's song,

That’s been sung by so many, for so long. + Prayer written by Rev. William D. Sabiston III August 10, 2011

--Bill Sabiston